Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. May God richly bless you this holiday season!

Visit w/ Friends

We were able to get together w/ some great friends this last weekend. The kids had a blast playing and the adults had a great time visiting together. We miss the Robinsons :-)

Cold, Blustry Snow Days to the Warm and Sunny Days!

Like they always say, "If you don't like the weather today, stick around until tomorrow and it will change". We've gone from the cold weather a couple of weeks ago to the beautiful, sunny weather we had today. After I picked the kiddos up from school, we took advantage of the sun...Audra decided to swing while Dillon and Faith enjoyed doing their homework outside.

Winter is upon us.....

Winter is officially here for us over in the mountains of East KY. Last night the 'white stuff' started falling as did the temperatures. The kids were super excited last night for the mere fact they MIGHT not have school today. We awoke this a.m. to a blanket of white, fluffy snow.....and NO SCHOOL!!!! Dillon and Faith have been playing out in it since 8:00 this morning! Below are pictures of their snowball fight.....Faith likes the 'gettem' while their down' tactic, which as you can see Dillon didn't think a lot of :-)

Just now posting pics. of our Fall Break trip to Glasgow. We took the kiddos to Jackson's Orchard. Nana and Granddaddy went along with us. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time! Also in here, some pics. of Halloween. Dillon was a 'hunter' and Faith was Minnie Mouse (thanks to cousin Kayla) :-) Audra was a clown...I'll post a pic. of here later.

Update.....

Just to give everyone an update...we are still in McDowell. We are currently talking with 2 different ministries and waiting on the Lord to show us direction. We desperately want to know where we are going, but want to make sure where we end up is where God wants us. Please pray for us as we are going through this time of transition and as we seek HIS will and not our own.

On another note, we just got a new computer, so I'll start uploading some new pics. once I get the internet hooked up to it :-)

Pavilion Dedication

Coming Full Circle

God is so amazing. Sometimes I sit back and try to soak His storyline all in. I'm one that always wants to read the end of the book before the beginning. As you know, God does not always allow that. When we first came to GAP to serve, John's main 'project' was the mission team housing, Servant's Heart Lodge. Most teams that came to serve with us the first year we were here, focused on constructing and finishing the Lodge. We met so many wonderful, godly folks through that process whom we will forever call friends. As our time here at GAP is coming to a close, God has brought us full circle. Our first project was the Lodge, and our last project is the Lodge. A pavilion has been built behind the Lodge. We will be dedicating it next week in memory of Dane Sanderlin of Stone Mountain, GA. He was a member of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, a team we have come to love and cherish. They usually come 3-4 times a year and have done tremendous outreach in the community and surrounding areas. They are all true servant's of Christ.



Here is a picture of the fireplace that John and Marv 'put together'. John started building it back in the summer and he and Marv took it through the roof this week. I'll post pics. of the total pavilion when it is completed next week.

While our future is not etched in stone yet, we know that God is in control. We have been praying about a few ministries and feel God is beginning to narrow down where He is sending us. Please continue to pray for us and we'll be letting you know in a few short weeks where we are going to be serving next!

Fall is here!

Summer is gone and fall is showing her many splendors of color and coolness. A tree in Lynn and Angie's yard was just too beautiful not to capture. The vibrant colors make me smile each time I see them. I'm not much of a cool weather person, but I do love to see God's creation around me splashed with reds, yellows and oranges. Here in the mountains, we get an extra dose of 'splash' as we are surrounded by the colors everywhere we look. Enjoy the pic.!

Greater Mountain Crusade

Several churches in Eastern KY came together as believers in Christ at the East KY Expo Center in Pikeville for the GMC, Sept. 28-30. It was a time where everyone could worship as ONE body and for ONE reason - to spread the words through the mountains that Christ is Lord! Larnelle Harris blessed us on Sunday night with his voice and was followed by Ricky Skaggs on Monday night. Both did an outstanding job. On Tuesday night former NFL players Shawn Harper and Keith Davis gave their testimony to a room filled with young minds and hearts. Please pray for those that made decisions during this crusade; and may the seeds that were planted continue to be watered and soon be harvested!

It's was a Tie-Dye Weekend

This last weekend we decided to tie-dye some family shirts and take our picture. Each of the kids (besides Audra) picked the colors and design they wanted and the fun began. They turned out better than expected for a bunch of amateurs.

Trip #2 to the Hospital

After a night of coughing and breathing treatments, I took Audra straight to the dr. on Wed. morning, thinking we were getting it early enough and meds. at home would do the job. Much to my surprise, the dr. said, "she's going to the hospital". "WHAT?!?!?!?!" I wanted to scream. Dr. Webb wanted to do some blood work, urinalysis, X-ray - all stuff that Dr. Austin here thought could and should be done outpatient **can you tell I REALLY didn't want to stay a night at the hospital?** At any rate, we ended up staying at the Highlands not so Hollywood Hotel in Prestonsburg, and not for 1 night, but 2! Audra was climbing the walls and I was pulling my hair out by the time she finally got discharged. Final diagnosis - viral pneumonia and asthma (from allergies). She's on breathing treatments and meds. and prayfully we won't be visiting the hospital any time soon. It just so happened this week that Calvary Baptist from Glasgow (John's parents' church) was here on their mission trip, so Becky was able to come and relieve me for a few hours. **thank you Becky**. We were also blessed to have supper waiting on us when we returned home Friday evening. Lynn and Angie brought us an awesome spread. **Thanks guys - it was DEEEElicious!** Thanks to everyone for the prayers!


Here is a pic. of Audra while in the hospital, after our lovely friend Mable went and confiscated a popsicle from the nurse's station for her. (click on the pic. to get a close up of her mouth to figure out what color the popsicle was) :-)

Back to Work

Thanks for all of the prayers for the girls. . . .both are doing much better. Faith returned to school today after sleeping almost all day yesterday and Audra, well, she was back to work this morning, helping mommy clean house (after putting on a pair of her Bubba's socks).

E.R. X 2

Two trips to the E.R. in one weekend is just too much for anyone! What started out as (or so we thought) Audra gaining 4 new teeth on the top, ended up being an infection in her bronchial tubes and a trip to the hospital. After doctoring her on our own for a few days, she wasn't getting any better and her breathing was getting labored, so we decided it was time to see the dr. Only problem, her dr. isn't in on Fridays--hence the trip to the ER. We were hoping they would just give her a shot of steroid, write us a prescription and send us on our way, but she was worse off than we thought, so we ended up staying in the Highlands Medical Center 'Hotel'. When the dr. came in on Sat. morning, he wanted to keep her another night, but after hearing that we had been through most of this 'stuff' before with Dillon, he decided we could handle it at home and keep a close eye on her (PRAISE JESUS!). Now for trip number 2. Faith has been complaining of her belly hurting since mid week. We thought 'stomach virus', but it would come and go and when it would come, it came in full force--doubled over, crying, the whole 9 yards. It only seems to come after she eats and we had tried all the home remedies we knew to try. So, after talking to her, holding her, massaging her belly, etc., John decided we better have it checked out 'just in case'. Off to the ER once again. (These people are going to think we are awful parents--2 kids in the ER in less than 48 hours--when it rains it pours!) Prognosis thus far - infection in her intestines. They gave her some antibiotic to take and if it doesn't clear up w/in 2-3 days it's back to the dr. The past few days have been rough ones, but our church family has been more than there for us. We are SO tremendously blessed to have them. From picking up Dillon and Faith from school to visiting us at the hospital and praying for us--they are AWESOME folks!!!! They are definitely our 'family away from family' and the ones we count on most. THANKS FITZPATRICK BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY!!!!!!!!!
(Disclaimer: Our parents wanted to come help out, but being 4 hours away, we hated to have them travel when we have folks here to help out. We love and thank ya'll for your willingness--we may need you in the future!) :-)

A wise person (my pastor's wife) once said, "Don't let the work of the Lord come before the Lord of the work". I've thought about those words non stop for quite some time as I've reflected on my life and situations our family has been a part of. Even though you may SEE the 'work of the Lord' doesn't always mean the Lord is in control. Our prayer, for our family, is that every decision we make is guided by the Father and not by our own selfish ambitions. When we meet our Heavenly Father, we want to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". May the work of the Lord never come before the Lord of the work in your life.

Barren County Fair

Our great friend Pauuuuuuula (Paula) let Faith ride her horse in Lead Line at the Barren County Fair in July. She had a great time! Thanks Paula!!!! :-)

School Starts!!!!

After much, much, much prayer - we decided to put Dillon and Faith in public school at May Valley Elementary School. As I write this, we are questioning our decision, but don't want to act irrational, so we are persevering and pushing forward -- for a few more weeks. Faith is in 2nd grade and has Ms. Farmer. Dillon is in 3rd grade and has Ms. Meade. Both are doing fine academically and have made friends, but there have been some emotional days. I realize that some of you reading this are probably rolling your eyes and saying, "Geez, they've only been in school for 4 days, give it time." But when your child comes home in tears, stressed out over something piddly and you can't get anyone to explain the situation. . .well, that just doesn't set well. You always here TGIF, well, we are chanting that tonight (early for tomorrow) :-) We pray that next week will be better, and the next even better - so forth and so on! Please pray for both Dillon and Faith!

My Daddy, My Hero!

Most little girls dream of fairy tales and baby dolls, but I had no choice but to grow up a tomboy (with 2 older brothers), so for me, it was sports and farming. Every chance I got as a youngster to go to the farm with daddy, I was there. Driving the tractor, feeding the cows, moving them from pasture to pasture; it was all fun. Being the only daughter, I was -- and still am -- 'daddy's girl'. I learned so much from daddy--honesty, integrity, hard work -- in those stinkin' tobacco patches!, ingenuity -- bubble gum will stop leaks in the water tank, perseverance--only to mention a few. Not only did I get to hang out with him on the farm; he took me to tractor pulls, work with him(until I was old enough to understand the plumber's dirty jokes), and just anywhere else I could 'tag along'. The only place I never went with my daddy was church. My mom and grandmother were always faithful to have us kids at church on Sunday mornings. I never understood why my daddy didn't go to church, I just accepted it and prayed for him. I prayed for his salvation, but I also prayed for God to give me a husband just like my daddy with one difference. I wanted a husband that went to church and loved the Lord--He gave me John for which I am truly blessed! Although it took 20+ years (don't want to give my age away :-) ), my God is faithful and answers prayers. My family got to witness my daddy's baptism on July 27!!! Praise the Lord! My daddy will be in Heaven with me . . .what more could a daughter ask for?!?!?!

Long Time, No Post!

Sorry I've been MIA and haven't posted in awhile. I know this is how some folks keep up with us. So much has been going on in the last month and I have lots to share. We are heading over to Yatesville State Park in Louisa this weekend to camp out, but I will add some posts at the beginning of next week! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

The Future

Well, it is now public, so I will go ahead and share on here as well. As of October, our family will no longer be serving with GAP. God has been dealing with us for some time that our season here is coming to an end. We don't know yet where He will send us, it could be north, south or we may remain in P'burg. We have several different ministry options that we are praying about. Please pray with us as we seek out where God would have us serve next. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thought of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Softball Doom!

Well, the sport finally got the best of me. After arriving at the field last night while the first game was finishing up, I stretched (which I NEVER do!) in preparation for game 2. Nathan stuck me at 2nd base and I was hoping to see some action. Much to my demise, while going to the base for a play, I felt a burn in my upper thigh. "Just stretched it a little", I thought, and went on playing. During the second inning, the burning got a little more intense. Now, John, my loving husband, was saying, "You need to sit out, you are going to hurt it more, tell Nathan to put someone else in to bat for you". "ARE YOU CRAZY????!!!!!" My competitive heart was saying to just 'shake it off', so up to bat I went. Can I be honest with you before the painful start comes? . . that was the WRONG move to make. Hind sight is 20/20 though, right? OK, up to bat. If I walk, they can put a runner in for me (which, again, my loving husband had already arranged with the coach) First pitch, STRIKE! Oh no, I have to swing, I absolutely WILL NOT be struck out. Second pitch, ball; o.k. this is good. Third pitch--it's a good one, I gotta take it--HIT to the short stop. As soon as I put my foot down to run and took that lunge, it was over with. I didn't even wait to see if he caught it or not, I headed straight to the dugout. I was officially done. I have never had such intense pain and burning in one part of my body that lasted with absolutely no relief. It felt like my upper thigh was on fire and it radiated to my hip and down to my foot. It hurt to touch, move, LOOK AT! I would rather birth 3 more children. . .at least that pain gives a few rest periods and you have a reward at the end. John, being the great doc. that he is, helped me get around, brought me ice for it and was my 'moral' support (i.e.-sit and don't get up--act your age!) Today has been a little less painful. I definitely still know that it is there, but I'm trying to 'shake it off', be a good sport about it--even though at some moments I just want to cry. Needless to say, I guess I won't be playing next week, but perhaps the week after that I'll get to go back on the field **don't tell John!** :-)

Frisbee Golf

We went to play frisbee golf (disc golf) at Jenny Wiley State Park last Saturday. It's not quite as easy as it looks. . .very challenging, but we had fun. The course even takes you through the woods! It's worse than real golf! If you haven't had the chance to try this sport, I recommend it.

Kickin' in to exercise mode. . . .

Our church, Fitzpatrick Baptist, put together a softball team a few weeks ago and somehow, we (John and I) found our way on the field. After doing some math, I figure it has been a good 10 years since I've swung a bat or thrown a softball. Nonetheless, I was excited to be able to relive some youthful years. My body on the other hand, didn't take to kindly to the news that it was going to be stretched in places that haven't even THOUGHT about stretching in years. The first practice wasn't too bad. . .it was the aftermath and the next morning. John and I both sounded like two feeble old people trying to crawl and wiggle ourselves out of bed. The moans could have been heard on the West Coast they were so loud and agonizing. The first game that we were able to make it to was last Thursday night. We had FINALLY gotten all the soreness worked out of our tired bodies, only to be going back for more punishment. Our bodies were yelling "NO!", but our hearts and minds were yelling "YES, I CAN DO IT!!!" We ended up winning one game and losing one game (not bad for a bunch of ol' amateurs). The pain this time was not immediate. It held off until we at least got home. Sitting in the truck for the 30 minute ride home, we got stiff, so we moaned getting out of the truck and made our way into the house, took showers and went straight to bed--visualizing how painful getting out of bed would be the next morning. I mean, you always play harder during a game than practice, so we were sure to be in more agonizing pain this go around than before. Not necessarily the case. It wasn't quite so bad the next morning. Not that we were hopping and skipping around the house or anything, but our morning moans could only be heard maybe in Missouri this time, rather than the coast of California. We decided we did so good after the game we would try frisbee golf on Saturday with the kiddos. It was fun. . .challenging, but fun. Gradually we have been working out all of the soreness from our muscles that have long awaited their awakening. Although I might not be able to run as fast as I once could, or do flips in the air. . . I can still hang with my age group on the field :-)

THUNDER OVER MINNIE!

Sunday night, First Baptist McDowell hosted THUNDER OVER MINNIE. When we first heard the name, I must admit, I laughed. To think of the comparison of Minnie to Louisville (for which the name derived), and if you've had the opportunity to see Thunder over Louisville, it's just a funny thought. However, we all loved mingling with friends and watching the fireworks show (minus the traditional air show that accompanies the fireworks in Louisville), which was as good if not better than the shows I've seen in my time.

My normal slide show program is not working, so I opted for the Picasa route. I don't like it as well, but it will have to do for now.

I'M BACK! It seems I took a sabbatical from my blog over the last few weeks. Truth is, time is a precious commodity these days. We've had several teams over the past couple of months and also took a week for our family. We traveled to Glasgow for a family reunion and then took Faith and Dillon to Cincinnati for a fun filled couple of days at Kings Island and the Zoo. Our day at Kings Island was filled with lots of twists, turns, drops and screams. Dillon was a little daredevil, riding everything we could get to. The lines were very short - Praise God! Faith decided she didn't want to ride anything, so John would ride with Dillon and then upon their return, I would shuffle Faith through to John and get on with Dillon. We didn't get to visit the water park b/c it was rather chilly. Folks were walking around in sweatshirts! Audra stayed back in Glasgow with my parents. It was sad without her, but much less of a hassle - and we could focus on the older two, which was good for them. It worked out really well. On day 2 we visited the Cincinnati Zoo. We stayed close to the monkeys most of the day. They were so funny! We could have sworn we saw some of our kin folk in there (no names mentioned :-) ) After returning to Glasgow, we took in a night of fishing and caught some rather nice catfish. It was a great week of resting, relaxing and hanging out with family.

Summer is here! We started last week with our first 'official' summer team. They came from Western KY as did the group that is here this week. Both have been largely youth, but hard workers none the less. We have been blessed that both teams have been flexible. One of the number one requirements for ANY mission trip, whether home or abroad, is flexibility. You never know what kind of monkey wrench might be thrown into a makeshift man-made itinerary, so why even plan one? I have found that not only do the teams need to be flexible, but we as a ministry (and all ministries) must be flexible as well. People come to serve, some for the first time, and our attitude towards them could make a life changing difference, both positively and negatively. My prayer is that we will always be found about the Father's business, fulfilling HIS itinerary of calling people to Him, with a smile on our face and joy in our heart. Please pray for us as we strive to be true servant's for Christ! We have many teams coming this summer from all around and we want their mission to be a positive, growing experience and for Christ to be exalted in ALL we do!

Faith's BIG Catch

After church last Sunday (and the birthday party), we went to visit with some friends. John took Dillon and Faith fishing at their pond and Faith snagged this huge bass. Way to go Faith!

Horse Lesson Number 2

Faith took her second horse riding lesson while we were in Glasgow. She led Whiskers around the rink, making him turn, pull and stop on command. She is doing AWESOME! A gentleman down the road that has miniature horses has told her to come ride anytime (and she's already been today!)

Princess in Training Number Two Turns 1!

Audra officially turned 1. We celebrated her birthday while in Glasgow with family and friends. She got lots of presents and had a blast playing with friends and cousins. When it was time for cake, she was a little skeptical, but it didn't take her long to realize she LOVES sugar :-) After returning back home, we went to Jerry's after church with friends to celebrate her birthday yet again (you can never celebrate your 1st birthday too many times). She got more gifts and an adorable little outfit made by Jan from church. :-)

John 'the bricklayer and artist'

Well, I promised I would post pics. of the grill that John has been working on down at Servant's Heart Lodge. I finally remembered my camera last time we were down there, so, here it is :-) It's not completely finished. He still has to put a row of bricks along the front to make a shelf. There is a team that will be coming to build a pavilion up to it in just a few short weeks. I'll post pics. again after that is completed.

Trip to Glasgow

We went to Glasgow this last week to celebrate Audra's 1st birthday and while there did lots of fun things. From boating with Jim, Kelly, Wyatt and Waylon, to fishing, to camping at Ma and Papa's--this weekend was packed with outdoor fun.

It's a 'MAN' job

Well, our little boy is quickly growing up. He was allowed to push mow the side yard the other day. He was so proud that he earned this new 'job'. He got very upset when his daddy took control on mowing the strip next to the house. He did not appreciate relinquishing his new found 'manliness'. We'll see how long this excitement over mowing the yard lasts :-)

Audra is quickly approaching the ripe old age of ONE! Can you believe it? Our little infant is already a year old?!?!?!? Where did the time go? She's letting everyone know that she is getting older by learning new tricks. Our little princess in training is beginning to be very independent. She has found out that all this time she's been trying to eat with just her 1 1/2 teeth on the bottom, she could be doing much better if she added 2 teeth on top, so, she's slowly but surely coaxed them into coming out. Guess she doesn't realize that the birthday cake will be soft. . . but the extra teeth are GREAT for crunching Cheerios.
Her next trick you ask? Well, an independent girl doesn't like to HAVE to be carried everywhere she goes. . she needs to be able to get where she wants, when she wants. . right? Crawling can be a little hard on the knees, so, why not use those 2 feet that God gave us? Yep, she's officially on the move in the upright position. She has been taking steps for a couple of weeks now, but she's getting to be a master at it. She showed off last night at church and walked all over the place, then decided she stop and dance and clap a little. Might as well put on a show for everyone if they're gonna watch :-)
We will be celebrating Audra's b-day next weekend in Glasgow with friends and family, but will celebrate again on her actual b-day (June 1) by going to Jerry's with our friends from church. You can't celebrate your 1st birthday too many times!

Saying Farewell to some GREAT friends!

Yesterday, we headed down to Blackey for Letcher County Family Days, held at Calvary Campus. We had an ulterior motive for going. The days are growing shorter and their house is getting emptier. . . our great pals the Robinson's are leaving Kentucky and heading down to Georgia. We have gotten to know this awesome family over the last couple of years and they have been such a gift from God. He knew we needed someone to confide in, cry with, laugh with, and above all, pray with, and he sent us Casey and Kitty. We have come to love and cherish our friendship with them and miss them already and they still have 12 days before they leave! Dillon and Faith always get excited when we say we are heading to Blackey. Faith packs up her dolls and Dillon loads his nerf guns and his bow and arrow. And little Audra, well, she just loves playing with her new found buddy Westin. I don't like good-byes, because they sound so. . .final, so Casey, Kitty and 'gang', this is not good-bye. We'll be praying for you as God leads you down new paths and grows you in unimaginable ways, we love ya and WE'LL SEE YA LATER!